Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents for Transfer of Up to 15,000 Acre-Feet from Merced Irrigation District to Westlands Water District and San Luis Water District

FRESNO, Calif. -- The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review draft environmental documents for a Warren Act contract for transfer of up to 15,000 acre-feet of water from Merced Irrigation District to Westlands Water District and/or San Luis Water District.

Reclamation proposes to approve a Warren Act Contract for the delivery, in the water year ending February 28, 2014, of up to 15,000 acre-feet of Merced Irrigation District’s non-federal water to Westlands Water District and/or San Luis Water District. The water would be released from storage in Lake McClure/New Exchequer Dam and conveyed in the San Joaquin River to Westlands and/or San Luis Water District by way of Patterson Irrigation District.

Please email comments to Ben Lawrence, Bureau of Reclamation at blawrence@usbr.gov. Written comments may also be mailed to Ben Lawrence, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721 or faxed to 559-487-5397. Comments are due by August 27, 2013. For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA/FONSI, please contact Lawrence at 559-487-5039 (TTY 800-735-2929). Copies of the Draft EA/FONSI may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Fresno office at the above address.

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR.